- Christian Slater
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Christian Slater 
Christian Slater in 2004Born Christian Michael Leonard Slater
August 18, 1969
New York City, New York, U.S.Occupation Actor Years active 1981–present Spouse Ryan Haddon (2000–2007; divorced; 2 children) Christian Michael Leonard Slater (born August 18, 1969) is an American actor. He made his film debut with a small role in The Postman Always Rings Twice before playing a leading role in the 1985 film The Legend of Billie Jean. He then played a monk's apprentice alongside Sean Connery in The Name of the Rose before gaining recognition for his breakthrough role in the cult film Heathers.
In the 1990s Slater featured in many big budget films including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, Broken Arrow and Hard Rain. He was also featured in the cult film True Romance. Since 2000 Slater has combined work in the film business with television, including appearances in The West Wing and Alias and starring in Breaking In.
Slater was married to Ryan Haddon between 2000 and 2005; they had two children together. Slater has had widely publicized brushes with the law, including being sentenced to three months in jail for assault in 1997.
Contents
Early life
Slater was born in New York City. He is the son of Mary Jo Slater (née Lawton), an acting agent turned casting executive and producer, and Michael Hawkins (né Thomas Knight Slater), an actor who is also known as Michael Gainsborough.[1][2] Slater has a maternal half-brother, Ryan Slater, who is also an actor.[3] Slater attended the Dalton School, the Professional Children's School and the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.[3]
Career
Early career
Following a run on the ABC soap opera Ryan's Hope, Slater made his Broadway debut as the lisping Winthrop Paroo opposite Dick Van Dyke in the 1980 revival of The Music Man.[1] Additional Broadway credits include Copperfield, Merlin, Macbeth, Side Man, and The Glass Menagerie. In addition he has performed in London's West End in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Swimming With Sharks.
Slater made his big screen debut in 1985's The Legend of Billie Jean playing Billie Jean’s brother Binx. His first significant role came in The Name of the Rose in 1986 alongside Sean Connery.[4] Slater played Connery's apprentice monk while they investigated a series of murders at a Benedictine abbey. Slater followed this by playing Junior Tucker in Francis Ford Coppola's Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988), Gleaming the Cube (1989) and Beyond the Stars (1989).
Slater's career improved when he played the dark character J.D. in the 1989 film Heathers alongside Winona Ryder. Heathers was billed as the teen film of the late '80s, and Slater's performance drew comparison with a young Jack Nicholson.[4] After Heathers, Slater had offers to play more troubled youths, including as a rebellious teen in Pump Up the Volume (1990) and a wild gunman in Young Guns II (1990), in which Slater acted alongside Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland.
Box office success
In 1991 Slater was cast as Will Scarlett in the Hollywood big budget remake of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves alongside Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman. The film was a commercial success, taking US$390 million worldwide.[5] With Slater being a big Star Trek fan, he accepted a minor role in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, shortly after playing Charlie Luciano in the crime drama Mobsters.[4]
In 1993, Slater tried to expand his film genre, playing opposite Marisa Tomei in Untamed Heart and playing Clarence Worley in True Romance, which was written by Quentin Tarantino.[4] In review of True Romance Roger Ebert awarded the movie 3 stars out of 4 and commented, 'the energy and style of the movie are exhilarating. Christian Slater has the kind of cocky recklessness the movie needs.'[6]
The part as the interviewer in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) came about after his friend River Phoenix, who originally had the role, died.[4] Slater subsequently donated his earnings from the film to Phoenix's favorite charities.[4] Slater played Riley Hale in the big budget John Woo film Broken Arrow (1996), which also starred John Travolta, before appearing in Hard Rain.
Since 2000
Since 2000 Slater has mixed TV work with film, appearing in the successful The West Wing and Alias TV productions, but also being part of Hollywood films including Bobby and 3000 Miles to Graceland.[4] He has also worked as a voice over artist in productions, including the character of 'Pips' in the successful Australian animated film FernGully: The Last Rainforest, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and TV documentaries including Prehistoric Planet and Dinosaur Planet. Slater also voiced the character John Watson a.k.a. "Wonko the Sane" in BBC Radio 4's production of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.[7]
Slater appeared in the television crime drama series, The Forgotten in 2009,[8] and in 2011 starred in the series Breaking In.[9] The first episode achieved good reviews and attracted 9.9 million viewers in the U.S.[10] On May 10, 2011, Fox cancelled Breaking In.[11] On August 24, 2011, The show was officially saved and renewed for a second season.
He starred in the action films Soldiers of Fortune, with Sean Bean, and The River Sorrow, with Ray Liotta. Both films co-star Ving Rhames.
Slater recently filmed a role in the Sylvester Stallone action thriller Bullet to the Head directed by Walter Hill and set for release on April 13 2012.
Personal life
In 2000, Slater married Ryan Haddon, the daughter of '70s model Dayle Haddon. The couple have two children, Jaden Christopher (b. 1999) and Eliana Sophia (b. 2001).[4] In 2003, Haddon was arrested for assaulting Slater at a Hard Rock Cafe while on a trip to Las Vegas.[12] Haddon allegedly threw a glass bottle and gashed Slater’s neck open.[13] Haddon was charged with domestic battery, booked at Las Vegas’ Clark County Detention Center, and freed after posting a bond. Afterwards, Slater had to get 20 stitches on his neck.[13][14] They announced a separation over Christmas 2004 while Slater was performing in a stage version of the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in London's West End. They officially separated in 2005 and divorced in 2007.[15]
In 2007, Slater made news for stating that he is still in love with Heathers co-star Winona Ryder.[16] He was once quoted as saying "Work is my hobby, staying sober is my job."[17]
He has been erroneously thought to be related to Helen Slater. In addition to their shared surname, the myth is further fueled by their portrayal of siblings in The Legend of Billie Jean.[18]
Arrests and convictions
In 1989, Slater was arrested for drunk driving and assault. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail.[4][19]
In 1994, he was arrested when he tried to board a commercial plane with a gun in his luggage.[19] He was sentenced to community service.[20]
In 1997, Slater was convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend, Michelle Jonas, and a police officer while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.[4][19] He spent over 100 days in a rehabilitation facility while out on bail and then was sentenced to a three-month term in jail followed by three months in a residential rehab center.[3]
On May 24, 2005, Slater was arrested in Manhattan, New York, after he allegedly sexually harassed a woman on the street.[21] A video of Slater being arrested was recorded and shown on television. Slater was charged with third degree sexual abuse and was held at the 19th precinct in Manhattan.[21][22] However, Slater denied the charge.[22]
Charity work
Slater has been a supporter of several charities, including 21st Century Leaders, Global Green and Whatever It Takes,[23] Slater appeared in an educational video on behalf of Nelson Mandela’s 46664 charity for AIDS awareness.[24] He has also worked to promote humanitarian work in South Africa.[25] In 1994, Slater donated his paycheck from the film Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles to River Phoenix’s favorite charities.[1] Slater had taken a role in the film planned to be filled by Phoenix after the latter died in 1993. In early May 2009, Slater visited wounded and recovering soldiers of Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the USO.[1] On December 10, 2009, Christian Slater visited Hattiesburg, MS where he contributed work for the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The episode aired on March 21, 2010.[26]
Awards
Slater won the MTV Movie Award in 1993 for best kiss with Marisa Tomei in the film Untamed Heart.[27] In 2001, he won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for The Contender.[3]
Filmography
List of film credits Year Title Role Notes 1981 The Postman Always Rings Twice 1985 The Legend of Billie Jean Binx 1986 Twisted Mark Collins 1986 The Name of the Rose Adso of Melk 1988 Tucker: The Man and His Dream Preston Tucker, Jr. 1989 Beyond the Stars Eric Michaels 1989 The Wizard Nick Woods 1989 Heathers J.D. 1989 Gleaming the Cube Brian Kelly 1990 Tales From The Darkside: The Movie Andy Segment: Lot 249 1990 Pump Up The Volume Mark Hunter 1990 Young Guns II Dave Rudabaugh 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Will Scarlett 1991 Mobsters Charlie "Lucky" Luciano 1991 Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country Excelsior Communications Officer 1992 Kuffs George Kuffs 1992 FernGully: The Last Rainforest Pips Voice 1993 Untamed Heart Adam 1993 True Romance Clarence Worley 1994 Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles Daniel Molloy 1994 Jimmy Hollywood William 1995 Murder in the First James Stamphill 1996 Bed of Roses Lewis Farrell 1996 Broken Arrow Captain Riley Hale 1997 Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery Easily Fooled Security Guard Uncredited 1997 Julian Po Julian Po 1997 Basil John Mannion Co-Producer 1998 Hard Rain Tom Co-Producer 1998 Very Bad Things Robert Boyd Executive Producer 1999 Love Stinks Eddie Uncredited 2000 The Contender Reginald Webster 2001 Who Is Cletis Tout? Trevor Allen Finch 2001 3000 Miles to Graceland Hanson 2002 Hard Cash Thomas Taylor 2002 Windtalkers Sgt. Pete "Ox" Henderson 2002 Prehistoric Planet Narrator Voice 2003 Dinosaur Planet Narrator Voice 2003 The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Jet Fusion Voice 2003 Masked and Anonymous Crew Guy #1 2004 Churchill: The Hollywood Years Winston Churchill 2004 The Confessor Daniel Clemens 2004 Pursued Vincent Palmer 2005 Alone in the Dark Edward Carnby 2005 Mindhunters J.D. Reston 2005 The Deal Tom Hanson Executive Producer 2006 Crossing the Line Himself Documentary 2006 Bobby Daryl Timmons 2006 Hollow Man 2 Michael Griffin/Hollow Man 2007 He Was a Quiet Man Bob Maconel 2007 Slipstream Ray / Matt Dodds / Patrolman #2 2007 The Ten Commandments Moses Voice 2008 Love Lies Bleeding Pollen 2008 Igor Doctor Schadenfreude's Igor Voice 2009 Dolan's Cadillac Jimmy Dolan 2009 Lies & Illusions Wes Wilson 2011 Sacrifice Father Porter 2011 Soldiers of Fortune Craig Mackenzie 2011 The River Sorrow Agent Vuckovitch 2011 Guns, Girls and Gambling John Smith 2011 Rites of Passage Delgado 2012 Bullet to the Head Slade List of television credits Year Title Role Notes 1984 Tales From The Darkside Jody Tolliver Episode: "A Case of the Stubborns" 1985 Ryan's Hope D. J. LaSalle 6 episodes 1986 The Equalizer Michael Winslow Episode: "Joy Ride" 1988 L.A. Law Andy Prescott Episode: "Fetus Completus" 1991 Saturday Night Live Himself/Host 1 Episode 1993 1993 MTV Video Music Awards Himself/Host 2002 Alias Neil Caplan 2 episodes 2002 The West Wing Lt. Cmdr. Jack Reese 3 episodes 2003–2005 The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Jet Fusion Voice, 2 episodes 2005–2008 Robot Chicken Various Voice, 4 episodes 2006 My Name is Earl Woody 1 episode 2008 My Own Worst Enemy Edward Albright / Henry Spivey 9 episodes 2009 Un-broke: What You Need To Know About Money Television special 2009 The Forgotten Alex Donovan 17 episodes 2009 Curb Your Enthusiasm Himself 1 episode 2010 The Office Himself 1 episode 2011-present Breaking In Oz main cast 2011 Entourage Himself 1 episode References
- ^ a b c d Inside the Actors Studio. Bravo. October 13, 2008. No. 16, season 15.
- ^ "Christian Slater Biography (1969–)". Film Reference Website. http://www.filmreference.com/film/71/Christian-Slater.html. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Christian Slater Biography – Yahoo! Movies". Yahoo!. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800026672/bio. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "(UK): "Christian Slater"". The Biography Channel. http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/christian-slater.html. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Box Office Mojo". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=robinhoodprinceofthieves.htm. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ Roger Ebert (10 September 1993). "True Romance". Chicago Sun Times. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19930910/REVIEWS/309100304/1023. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
- ^ "Slater joining Hitchhiker's play". BBC. April 19, 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4461153.stm. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
- ^ Matt Mitovich (6 July 2009). "It’s official: Christian Slater joins ABC drama series". TV Guide. http://www.tvguide.com/News/Slater-Forgotten-official-1007665.aspx. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
- ^ "Can Breaking In End Christian Slater’s Bad Luck in TV?". New York Magazine. April 6, 2011. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/04/christian_slater_pity_party.html. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
- ^ James Hibberd (April 7, 2011). "Christian Slater's 'Breaking In' opens strong after 'Idol'". Entertainment Weekly. http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/04/07/christian-slaters-breaking-in-opens-strong-after-idol/. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
- ^ Hibberd, James (May 10, 2011). "Fox cancels 'Human Target,' 'Breaking In'". Entertainment Weekly. http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/05/10/fox-cancels-human-target/. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
- ^ Associated Press. "Slater, wife: An altercation?". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/ryan-haddon.
- ^ a b Gary Susman. "Very Bad Things". http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,540599,00.html.
- ^ Associated Press. "Slater, wife: An altercation?". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/ryan-haddon.
- ^ "Christian Slater splits from wife Ryan Haddon". Female First. November 30, 2001. http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity/Christian+Slater-2263.html. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ "Christian Slater: I still love Winona Ryder". Now Magazine. August 16, 2007. http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/241443/christian-slater-i-still-love-winona-ryder/1/. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ "Christian Slater Top Ten Jailbirds". Bravo. http://www.bravo.co.uk/features/jailbirds.php?ssid=6. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ "60 SECONDS: Helen Slater". Metro. http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/interviews/16210-60-seconds-helen-slater. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
- ^ a b c Rogerson, Margaret (December 11, 1997). "Christian Slater jailed for drug assault". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/christian-slater-jailed-for-drug-assault-1288032.html. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ "Christian Slater Biography". Yahoo Movies. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800026672/bio. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ a b Cheryl Bronson (January 21, 2004). "Christian Slater arrested on sexual harassment charge". CNN. http://articles.cnn.com/2005-05-31/entertainment/slater.arrested_1_third-degree-sexual-abuse-actor-christian-slater-three-counts?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ. Retrieved May 31, 2005.
- ^ a b "Christian Slater Arrested". CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=698631n.
- ^ "Christian Slater's Charity Work, Events and Causes". LookToTheStars.org. http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1046-christian-slater.
- ^ "Christian Slater for 46664". tm5 Networks. 46664.com. http://www.t5m.com/46664/christian-slater-for-46664.html. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
- ^ "Brangelina inspired Christian Slater to do more good". Theindian News. http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/brangelina-inspired-christian-slater-to-do-more-good_10012319.html. Retrieved January 10, 2008.
- ^ "Slater tackles carpenter role on new house". Hattiesburg American.com. December 11, 2009. http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20091211/NEWS01/912110362. Retrieved December 14, 2009.
- ^ "1993 MTV Movie Awards". MTV. July 13, 1993. http://www.mtv.com/ontv/movieawards/1993/. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
External links
- Christian Slater at the Internet Movie Database
- Christian Slater at the Internet Broadway Database
- Christian Slater at the Internet Off-Broadway Database
- Christian Slater at Memory Alpha (a Star Trek wiki)
Preceded by
Dana CarveyMTV Video Music Awards host
1993Succeeded by
Roseanne BarrCategories:- 1969 births
- Living people
- Actors from New York City
- American film actors
- American stage actors
- American television actors
- Dalton School alumni
- American soap opera actors
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
